Call it what you want – poetry, pop culture or just another era – but Taylor Swift’s new album The Life of a Showgirl has everyone talking.
After first day sales of 2.7 million copies, plus countless streams online, Swifties around the world are once again in detective mode – deep-diving into lyrics, decoding hidden messages and speculating which pop star Swift might be taking a swipe at in the diss track, Actually Romantic.
Joining the conversation is University of Victoria’s (UVic) Dr. Stephen Ross, a self-confessed “middle-aged Swift-dad,” who this year launched a ‘Taylor-made’ course for Swifties.
Running from January until early April, the UVic course English 240 – Major Author: Taylor Swift, dissected the megastar’s 11 studio albums, analyzing her literary references, the storytelling power in her music videos, and her rise as both a cultural and economic force to be reckoned with.
Now, with The Life of a Showgirl setting new records and reigniting old debates, Ross is once again stepping up to the lectern.
On Monday, Oct. 6, from 4 to 5:20 p.m., fans and first-time listeners alike can tune in to a livestream of English 240: Introduction to a Major Author, where Ross will unpack the latest addition to Swift’s discography.
Thought to be the first academic lecture on Swift’s 12th studio album, Ross will explore its overarching themes and how it fits into Swift’s evolving poetic universe.
”The class and the lecture both presume no prior familiarity with Swift’s work – you don’t have to be a Swiftie to take part,” said Ross in a UVic social media post.
"Our focus is on the lyrics as poetry, and on situating Swift in some centuries-long traditions of poetic practice and pop culture that still have powerful impact today.”
Ross’s passion for Swift’s work is rooted in her “extraordinary lyricism, clever writing, and deep vein of allusions.” But above all, he says, it’s about having fun – and he hopes his students will too.
And with the album’s title track containing an Easter Egg treat for Vancouver Island fans – there will be plenty for Ross and his class to explore.
Last year, Swift ended her 20-month Eras Tour with three sold-out shows at Vancouver’s BC Place, performing to an estimated 160,000 fans – including many Greater Victoria Swifties who made the trip across the water.
When listening to the new album, those who attended the final show might just hear themselves screaming back at them, as The Life of a Showgirl ends with Swift addressing the cheering Vancouver crowd.
“That always chokes me up because, it transports me right back to that actual memory of standing on that stage for the last time on that tour that was so important to me,” says the singer, introducing the song on Amazon Music.
To register for the UVic livestream, which is free to attend, visit: events.uvic.ca/event/101343-ensh-240-intro-to-a-major-author-taylor-swift.
